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Murray, Terry, Ward, John, Boyle, Mark, C. (2003). Carlow Town Park. Murray and Associates Landscape Architecture

The team Murray and associates designed the site at Carlow Town Park to create a design that uses Riverbank design to tread the line between urban design and riverfront access. This type of design must provide quality riverfront area that is easily accessible; while strategic planning is necessary to create a strong connection with the urban design already established. Passive and active areas along the riverfront are needed to create a beautiful yet functional space. The team also emphasized how knowing the history of not only the site but also the town is a very crucial aspect as a design not only reflects on the past but also looks to the future. The article also reflects on how knowledge of the site is needed to create a space that can expand with the development of city. The river frontage area is an important space within the town, designing this space creates a focal point for riverfront activity. Stressing the more functional aspects of the site, Murray and Associates noted the site must provide access to young and old, as well as the mobility-impaired. Wintertime flooding is another functional aspect as the site must address this issue and design accordingly. A flood wall was noted as the most convenient solution. As mentioned earlier the design must link the urban access areas along with the more natural and organic forms of the riverfront. In conclusion the team at Murray and Associates continually mentioned the linkage between the town and the waterfront must provide increased interaction with the river and the newly designed park, while creating intimate spaces as well as public ones that continue to be a strong place for all types of interaction with the space.

http://www.murray-associates.com/portfolio_carlow.htm


Tidman, Michael. J, Schultz, Richard, C. (1999). Plan and Design of a Riparian Buffer. Iowa State University Department of Forestry, 110

Michael J. Tidman and Richard Schultz of the Department of Forestry stress in their article Plan and design of a riparian buffer, that the most important part of designing a riparian design to understand the system must be flexible. The design must incorporate such things as sediment control, runoff, slowing bank erosion, and improving wildlife also understanding that different designs offers different benefits. Also important to the authors was the use of such things as trees, shrubs, and grass as proper use of these allow them to complement each other to establish a more successful design. A large are of grass leading up to the river front allows for decreased flooding as the pores of the water will allow the water to soak up the water rather than over it. Trees and shrubs are another crucial aspect as the can slow water down as well as stabilize the soil along the riverbank. Creating a slow and shallow flow through the riparian buffer is one of the most important aspects as the riverbank must be kept from eroding. Michael J.Tidman and Richard Schultz especially emphasized the time and planning it takes to create a riparian buffer. A successful barrier will not be created in a short amount of time. Carefully observing the barrier as well as maintaining is needed to create a successful and functional riparian barrier.

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1999/6-21-1999/planripbuff.html


Glink, Ilyce R., Tamkin, Samuel, J., C. (2008) Adapting Community Design to Anticipate Trends, Washington Post, F04

Ilyce Glink and Samual Tamkin state in their article Adapting Design to Anticipate Trends that design must become something that will remain popular over time. Identifying trends that have worked in the past and one that have failed. Translating these into a successful design that continues to work as the community evolves. Successful trails and attractions that are conveniently placed and well maintained are such aspects that stand the test of time and continue to be used by all people of the community. Better use of pathways encourage people to walk rather than drive to the destinations. Active parks were also stressed in this article as people want and need places for them to be active. Creating attractions along paths will give a reason for people to travel further into the site where they can let their children play or throw a Frisbee to their dog. Waterfronts provide a tranquil and active place where people can use the space for activites of their choosing and allow people to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also stressed in the article was the continuing importance of community centers, as parents want their children to have a safe and active place for their children or even teenagers to hang out. The increased trend of people wanting to do something to help the environment is cause for further reason to help create outdoor spaces that people want to use. The final point stressed in the article was how even when people’s family statuses may change the parks and places people go to do not, and creating a social environment for people to meet and greet is a continual need and these spaces must be created.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/18/AR2008071801436_2.html